Johnson, who rushed for 504 yards and two touchdowns this season, is expected to undergo surgery in early January.

“It was actually a 7-on-7 (drill), no-contact what so ever,” said Rhoads about when the injury occurred. “He planted and you know how violent he plants and something gave.”

So now, Johnson will spend a second consecutive straight winter and summer rehabbing.

“You get a big wave of emotions and (Johnson) was crushed (Saturday),” Rhoads said, “upbeat if you want to call it that (Sunday). I think what he has gone through already with the neck has helped his mindset today. He knows what he has in front of him as far as rehab and he’ll do a great job with it.”

The Cyclones now will trudge on without Johnson, who gained 120 yards in ISU’s 38-23 win over Tulsa in September. Running back James White, who split time with Johnson this season, will likely see the bulk of the carries in the bowl.

But ISU needs to get him healthy first. White sat out practice on Sunday after getting “hit in the head the other day,” according to Rhoads. White’s status for practice on Tuesday is unknown, but Rhoads expects White, who has 469 rushing yards, will be fine for the bowl game.

“We will have him certainly when we get to Memphis,” Rhoads said.

Running back Jeff Woody will continue to get goal line and short yardage carries. Reserve running back DeVondrick Nealy will also see an increased role. Nealy gained 81 yards on 16 carries.

“We feel like he has that ability to have explosive plays at any given time,” Messingham said.

Rhoads on Wisconsin

Rhoads put to bed any concern about him leaving to take the Wisconsin job on Sunday, saying he’ll be the Cyclone coach next season.

“I am right here at Iowa State and I have no conversations with those people and am very happy to be right here,” Rhoads said.

Kron out

Reserve defensive end Nick Kron will miss the bowl game after undergoing surgery to fix a broken bone in his foot. Kron recorded five tackles in 12 games.